LOCATION: Ponta da Madeira Port Complex (TMPM) is located on the
Eastern shore of Sao Marcos Bay, on the island of Sao Luis. It comprises two piers in the following positions:
Pier No. 1: Lat. 02␥ 34.0' S., Long. 44␥ 23.0' W. Pier No. 2: Lat. 02␥ 34.5' S., Long. 44␥ 22.3' W.
TMPM is approximately 8 km. South of Sao Luis City, capital of Maranhao State, to which it is linked by a roadway.
General Description: TMPM is the property of Companhia Vale do Rio Doce, and is operated and administered by them.
Pier No. 1 is a port installation for private general use, out of the area of the state owned Port of Itaqui.
Pier No. 2 is a port installation for private general use, in the area of the state owned Port of Itaqui.
Both piers provide infrastructure to stock and to ship the materials transported by Carajas Railway.
Notice of Readiness: Vessels waiting in the Outer or Inner Anchorage Areas must send the Notice of Readiness, after dropping anchor, via telex to the Agent, who will contact TMPM. Vessels proceeding directly either to Pier No. 1 or Pier No. 2 shall tender Notice of Readiness as they cross parallel Lat. 02␥ 31.3' S.
Nautical Charts: The access channel, the anchorage areas, the turning basins and the docking places are shown on the following nautical charts: Charts No. 400, 410, 411, 412, 413 and 414, published by Diretoria de Hidrografia e Navegacao do Brasil (DHN).
Charts No. 24270 and 24271, published by the United States Hydrographic Service (HO).
Charts No. 535, 543 and 3958 of the British Admiralty (BA). In the charts published by DHN, the depths are indicated in meters and refer to the Tide Datum level adopted for the largest scale chart.
On Nautical Charts issued by the Brazilian Navy, depths are indicated in metres and are referred to the Tide Datum level adopted for the chart of largest scale.
DOCUMENTS: All vessels are boarded by the following Port Authorities
in the waiting areas, or alternatively at the immediately after berthing: Port Health Authority (Saude dos Portos).
Customs (Receita Federal). Immigration (Policia Federal).
The Port Authorities clearance is carried out, every day of the week, at any time, day or night, Saturdays, Sundays and holidays included.
The Customs and Immigration Authorities can clear a vessel to start loading as soon as the vessel has been berthed and given Free Pratique by the Port Health Authority.
The following valid original documents must be presented to the Port Health Authorities, Customs and Immigration:
Port Health Authority:
Health Declaration, filled out according to the Sanitary Regulation No. 2 from World Health Organisation.
Ship’s Medical Log.
Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificates of all crew members and passengers, as well as their Seaman’s Book and Passports. Crew List (Form 1-418).
Request for Free Pratique.
Passengers List, including transit and disembarking (Form CF-3171).
Customs:
Master’s Oath (Form CF-1300). Crew List (Form 1-418). Stores List (Form CF-1303).
Crew’s Personal Effects List (personal items and baggage) (Form CF-1304).
Passengers List, including in transit and disembarking (Form CF-3171).
Immigration:
Master’s Oath (Form CF-1300). General Declaration (Form CF-1301). Crew List (Form 1-418).
Arms/Ammunition List. List of Narcotics on board. List of Stowaways, if any.
Note: All forms should be completed. Documents must be originals. General: Shore leave may be granted at Master’s discretion, after clearance is given by Port Authorities.
The ship’s Master must advise the crew that Brazilian Regulations concerning smuggling laws are strictly followed by the Agents and Customs. The crew must be assured that all items, cigarettes, tobacco, alcoholic beverages, should be kept in the locked store, which will be sealed by Customs Authorities during the stay of the vessel at TMPM. Only small consumable quantities of cigarettes, alcoholic beverages and personal effects can be kept in the cabin.
Passengers must have their passports in order to be able to disembark.
When ashore, crew members must have their identification documents with them.
Only persons duly authorised by TMPM will have access to the piers. Any person visiting ships must have authorisation from the Master and Port Authorities. The administration of TMPM will not be held responsible for any accident caused to or by persons visiting ships.
If any unauthorised person is found on board, loading must be stopped until the person leaves the ship, with all time and costs allocated to the ship.
Upon request, TMPM Security can arrange taxi for transportation from the Terminal to the outside area. TMPM Security is not responsible for payment of such transportation. Private vehicles are not allowed to enter the Terminal area.
The ship’s Master must have ready to present, during inspection, the Derat Certificate or the Derat Exemption Certificate, as well as the Health Certificate from the last port of call.
Ships are requested to keep propeller totally immersed.
O/O and OBO vessels whose last oil loading was performed within the last 12 months must present the ‘‘Gas-Free Certificate’’ immediately after berthing. This Certificate must be issued by an authorised Surveyor. Degasification operations are not allowed when the vessel is berthed or in the vicinity of the piers, where TMPM authorities judge it to be dangerous.
After clearance by Port Health Authority, the holds of the vessel will be inspected by representatives of the Master and TMPM. The holds must be clean, free of water and ready to receive the cargo.
If the holds are suitable, the representatives of TMPM and the ship’s Master will sign the Inspection Certificate. If not, the Notice of Readiness will be cancelled until all the requirements have been fulfilled.
Also see ‘‘Radio’’.
ARRIVAL: The following Arrival Advice must be sent to TMPM and to
the Agent:
15 days before vessel’s ETA at TMPM or upon departure from the last port of call, whichever prevails: Standard Format Explanation of Message to be addressed to the port of Ponta da Madeira. Fax:␣55 (98) 218 4207, 218 4019.
A General Information:
A1 Name of Owner, name of Operator (if applicable).
Ship’s interest parties. A2 Protective agency, shippers or
freighters agency.
Names of agencies. A3 P&I Club, representative. Full style including
date of expiry. A4 Previous name, present name, call
sign.
A5 IMO or Lloyd’s register number. Ship’s international ID number. A6 Type of ship, date of built␦
DD/MM/YY.
Bulker, ore/oil, OBO, general cargo. A7 Length overall, maximum breadth,
depth.
In metres. A8 Bridge wing width is shorter or same
size as ship’s breadth?
Inform size of bridge wind related with ship’s breadth and width in metres. A9 Summer d.w.t., Summer draft. In metres. A10 Any deck obstruction beyond hatch
cover height? (over air draft).
Distance between crane, crane forward mast, crane aft/accommodation (in metres).
A11 Numbers of holds, numbers of hatches, dimensions of hatches.
Dimensions in metres.
A12 Ship’s position. Latitude, longitude or name of port. A13 Distance between superstructure and
bow.
In metres. B Operational Information:
B1 Arrival draft, departure draft: forward/aft. In metres. B2 Arrival air draft: forward/aft. In metres. B3 Description of arrival ballast: Cargo
holds, double bottom tanks, topside tanks␦ total
Please declare existing quantity per cargo hold, topside tank, double bottom tank. Quantity in metric tonnes. B4 Time required for deballast, average
rate.
The time with stripping included. B5 Ballast remaining in departure. In metric tonnes. C Other relevant Information:
C1 Supplies on port: Combustibles, fresh water.
In metric tonnes. C2 Any ship’s operational restrictions. Yes/No (If yes,
specify).
C3 Ship’s in gas-free condition: Yes or No. Relevant information for loading
operations, expiry date.
C4 Last dry dock, last special survey. Date: DD/MM/YY, DD/MM/YY C5 Expiry hull, machinery survey. Date: DD/MM/YY,
DD/MM/YY C6 Expiry Load Line Certificate, annual and
full term.
Date: DD/MM/YY, DD/MM/YY C7 Safety Equipment Certificate, annual
and full term.
Date: DD/MM/YY, DD/MM/YY C8 Safety Construction Certificate, annual
and full term.
Date: DD/MM/YY, DD/MM/YY
C9 I.O.P.P., SMC. Date: DD/MM/YY,
DD/MM/YY
C10 Class condition. Ex: Class 100 A,
100 A1. C11 Last 3 voyages, cargo, port of call
(discharge port) and cargo.
Reporting: date, port and cargo.
C12 Mooring lines. Indicating diameter,
MBL and type of material (good condition: Y/N). Fwd Head breast spring (winch, drums,
bollards)?
Also include availability of others. Aft Head breast spring (winch, drums,
bollard)?
Suitable ropes for use.
The Captain must send the drawing as example in Annex A. D Cargo Information:
D1 Total cargo required: (specify) type, quantity and total.
D2 Cargo Stowage Plan: (specify) type, hold, hatch. See Annex C. E Arrival: E1 ETA E2 Extra information.
F1 Any other relevant information not specified on Standard Format Message.
48 hours before Arrival: Vessels must transit to Port Authorities (Capitania dos Portos) the following information:
(a) ETA.
(b) Request for Free Pratique or Quarantine. (c) Request for instructions about anchorage place. (d) Request for Pilot to the Agent.
At least 48 hours before arrival, to TMPM, the Master whose vessel is in satisfactory sanitary conditions must ask the Port Authorities (Capitania dos Portos) for Free Pratique.
The vessel whose Free Pratique has been granted will be boarded in the anchorage areas or at the pier.
24 hours before arrival:
(a) Day and time of vessel’s arrival. (b) Any changes in previous information. (c) Confirmation of Gas Free Condition. Also see ‘‘Radio’’.
APPROACHES: Access Channel: The access channel to TMPM starts
around 12 miles South of BF-3 (Lat. 01␥ 34.9' S., Long. 43␥ 50.8' W.). It is 55 miles long and can be divided into the following sectors:
(a) From the pair of light Buoys No. 1 and 2 until abeam of Buoy No. 6; being 7.6 miles long, in the direction 208␥ – 028␥(T).
(b) From light Buoy No. 6 until 1.8 miles after Buoy No. 14; being 11.6 miles long, in the direction 238␥ – 058␥(T).
(c) From 1.8 miles after Buoy No. 14 until the pair of Buoys Nos. 19 and 24; being 33.6 miles long, in the direction 213␥ – 033␥(T). The width of the channel is 1,000 m., in almost all its extension, except in the following parts, where the width is a minimum of 500 m.:
(i) Between the pair of light Buoys No. 1 and 2, and the pair of light Buoys No. 3 and 4.
(ii) Between the pair of light Buoys No. 5 and 10, and the pair of light Buoys No. 9 and 14.
(iii) Between the pair of light Buoys No. 17 and 22.
The minimum depth of the channel is 23.0 m. in the narrowest sectors, except between light Buoys No. 17 and 22, where it was dredged to 25.0 m.
Turning Basin: The Turning Basin of is limited on its Eastern side by the docking alignment, on its Southern side by the Lat. 02␥ 34' 30" S. parallel and on its Western side by light Buoys No. 23 and 25. It is approximately 0.8 mile wide and 3 miles long. Depths range from 23.0 m. (by the docking alignment) to 35.0 m. (close to Buoy No. 25).
At , there are 2 breakwaters in order to weaken the tidal currents in the approaching and berthing areas.
The breakwaters were projected and built to lessen the effects of the tidal streams over the docking place, and also to maintain the cleaning power through the circulation of water between them. The Northern Breakwater starts at Boqueirao Beach. It is 980 m. long and at its end there is a 150 m. long appendix that was built 80␥ from its axle Northwards. Its appendix is more efficient during flood tides deflecting the current to the approximate direction of the centre line of the vessel, keeping it berthed. The Southern Breakwater starts at Ponta da Madeira, is 312 m. long and more efficient during ebb tides, since the lowering of its last 130 m. to the quote of2.75 m. brings the flow of the main current to little more than 50 m. away from the breasting line, weakening considerably the effect of the whirls on the vessels and, consequently on the moorings. 200 m. out from the pier, the currents flow parallel to the pier.
Pier No. 1: The Turning Basin of I is an extension of that of Pier I. It is limited on its Southern side by light Buoy ‘‘Cardinal Norte’’, and on its Eastern side by the docking alignment. It has a crust instability, Guarapira Island, that forms on the Eastern side, the cove of state owned Port of Itaqui. The cove is 200 m. wide and 720 m. long.
Evaluations on the manoeuvres performed allowed the conception of two methods of performance:
The first one is to vessels up to 76,000 d.w.t., where the area for manoeuvring (200 m. wide and 720 m. long) is located between the pier of Itaqui Port and Guarapira Island, the manoeuvring is always oriented by turning round South of Guarapira Island. Depths range from 11.4 m. to 26.0 m.
The second one is to vessels larger than 76,000 d.w.t., according to which the manoeuvres are performed inside the Turning Basin of Pier I and in its extension, which adopts as a limit the contour of Buoy No. 25. Both extension and Western limit dimensions are about 0.8 miles. Depths range from 18.0 m. (by the berthing line) to 35.0 m. (near Buoy No. 25).
Navigation Aids: Light Float: Light Float BF-3 has a red painted
framework tower that emits flashes of white light, 14.0 m. tall. The BF-3 is anchored at the following position:
Lat. 01␥ 34.9' S., Long. 43␥ 50.8' W., and with the following characteristics:
Length Breadth
17.00 m. 6.70 m. Spotlight focus height 14.00 m. Painted Prefix Red BF-3 Light Radar-Racon Fl. W(2), 15 seconds Charlie
Radio Beacons: There are the following Radio Beacons in the area: Sao Marcos – Frequency: 300 kHz
Signal: SM
Position: Lat. 02␥ 29.0' S., Long. 44␥ 18.0' W. Sao Joao – Frequency: 320 kHz
Signal: AI
Position: Lat. 01␥ 18.0' S., Long. 44␥ 54.0' W.
Racons (Radar Beacons): At the entrance of Sao Marcos Bay and its surroundings, there are also Racons with the following characteristics: Light Boat BF-3 – Racon operating in the X and S bands, signal ‘‘Charlie’’, active 18 sec. and inactive 12 sec.
Sao Joao Beacon Lighthouse – Racon in the X and S bands, signal ‘‘Oscar’’, active 8 sec. and inactive 12 sec.
Pirajuba Beacon Lighthouse – Racon in the X and S bands, signal ‘‘Zulu, active 18 sec. and inactive 12 sec.
Aracagi Beacon Lighthouse – Racon in the X and S bands, signal ‘‘Quebec’’, active 18 sec. and inactive 12 sec.
Lighthouses: In the area of Sao Marcos Bay and its surroundings, the following lighthouses are installed: Sao Joao, Mangunca, Pirajuba, Pirarema, Alcantara, Itauna, Ilha do Medo, Ponta de Areia, Sao Marcos, Aracagi and Santana.
Their positions and characteristics are represented on the nautical charts and are also listed in the List of Lighthouses, published by DHN. Lighted Buoys: The access channel to TMPM is beaconed by 22 light buoys equipped with active radar reflectors.
The Turning Basin of is beaconed by 7 light buoys equipped with active radar reflectors.
The Turning Basin of I is beaconed by 4 light buoys equipped with active radar reflectors.
TMPM distribute a bulletin of ‘‘Occurrence Control and Buoys Status in the Channel’’ to ship’s Agents weekly. This bulletin supplies detailed information about the status of each one of the buoys.
DGPS – TMPM holds a reference station to Differential Global Position System at Sao Marcos Radio Beacon Lighthouse that can be used by vessels. This station processes the correction of geographic co-ordinates referred to the same Datum (Corrego Alegre), of Nautical Chart No. 3410, without damage to the radiogoniometry.
PILOTAGE: Pilotage is compulsory in Sao Marcos Bay, from the pilot
station up to any mooring or docking point.
Schedules and forecasts for berthing or unberthing manoeuvres of vessels bound for the port installations of TMPM are scheduled by the Operational Control Centre of TMPM. Requests for Pilot must be made through this Administrative Centre.
For other necessities not mentioned above, the Pilot must be requested via Embratel Coastal Station (Estacao Costeira) through the ship’s Agent, 48 hours in advance.
The request will be confirmed 4 hours in advance on the following frequencies:
Channel 16, working Channels 13, 11 and 9.
Vessels with less than 11.0 m. draft must board the Pilot at the pilot station, which is shown on Nautical Chart No. 413, and the co-ordinates are the following:
Lat. 02␥ 28.9' S., Long. 44␥ 22.2' W.
Vessels proceeding to berth at TMPM with draft over 11.0 m., must receive the Pilot between Buoys No. 17 and 22.
During the night, the pilot boat will show lights according to international regulations, that is, fixed white over a red light and the usual navigation lights.
In Sao Marcos Bay, the Pilot embarks and disembarks by boat. All vessels must have rigged a ladder in accordance with ‘‘International Maritime Organisation SOLAS Regulations’’, under SOLAS Chapter V, Regulation 17, amended in 1973 by IMO’s Regulation A 263(VII) and in 1979 by Regulation A 426(XI).
In Sao Marcos Bay, there is a routine to embark and disembark the Pilot by starboard side.
Special care must be taken when the vessel is approaching the pilot station, in the period of 3 hours before high tide, when the ebb currents can reach a speed of 5 knots.
ANCHORAGES: Outward Anchorage: If occasionally all anchorage
areas (Inner and Outer Anchorage Areas) are occupied and reserved for vessels bound for TMPM with part-cargo or in ballast that makes her draft over 11.0 m., vessels must anchor in the Outward Anchorage, located N.N.E. of Buoy No. 2, in the entrance of the channel. Outer Anchorage: This area, called Area No. 1, is between Buoys No. 6 and 10. It is reserved for vessels bound for TMPM with part-cargo with draft over 11.0 m. It is also for vessels waiting and for those doing repairs. This area is limited by a rectangle marked by the following co-ordinates: (A) (B) (C) (D) Lat. 01␥ 58.5' S. Lat. 01␥ 55.5' S. Lat. 01␥ 49.2' S. Lat. 01␥ 51.8' S. Long. 44␥ 07.0' W. Long. 44␥ 09.0' W. Long. 43␥ 58.4' W. Long. 43␥ 56.5' W. Anchorage Areas for Awaiting Tide Conditions:
Area 2: This area is away from the Eastern edge of the channel between Buoys No. 16 and 18. This area is for loaded ships with draft greater than 20.0 m. waiting for tidal conditions to pass Buoys No. 14 and 10, and also Buoys No. 4 and 2. It is limited by the polygon marked by the following co-ordinates: (A) (B) (C) (D) Lat. 02␥ 02.9' S. Lat. 02␥ 05.4' S. Lat. 02␥ 06.0' S. Lat. 02␥ 04.4' S. Long. 44␥ 03.4' W. Long. 44␥ 03.4' W. Long. 44␥ 07.2' W. Long. 44␥ 06.1' W.
Area 3: This area is located near the Eastern edge of the channel, between Buoys No. 18 and 15. This area is for loaded ships with draft over 20.0 m. waiting for tidal conditions to pass Buoys No. 14 and 10, and also Buoys No. 14 and 10, and also Buoys No. 4 and 2, when Area 2 is occupied. It is limited by the polygon marked by the following co-ordinates: (A) (B) (C) (D) Lat. 02␥ 08.3' S. Lat. 02␥ 10.9' S. Lat. 02␥ 12.1' S. Lat. 02␥ 12.1' S. Long. 44␥ 08.7' W. Long. 44␥ 09.0' W. Long. 44␥ 10.0' W. Long. 44␥ 11.0' W. Inner Anchorages:
Area 4: This area is for ships with a maximum draft of 11.0 m. The area is away from the Eastern edge of the channel and located abeam of Buoys No. 20 and 22. The South area is located between Buoy No. 22
and the lighthouses of San Marcos and Aracagi, and is limited by the following co-ordinates:
(A) Lat. 02␥ 19.2' S. Long. 44␥ 12.2' W. (B) Lat. 02␥ 21.4' S. Long. 44␥ 09.5' W. (C) Lat. 02␥ 24.4' S. Long. 44␥ 12.8' W. (D) Lat. 02␥ 27.4' S. Long. 44␥ 17.2' W. (E) Lat. 02␥ 26.6' S. Long. 44␥ 19.4' W.
The bottom is mud and fine sand, with depths ranging from 11.3 m. to 16.0 m.
The Northern and Southern areas are composed of fine sand with depths ranging from 15.0 m. to 27.0 m.
Area 5: This area is for vessels with a maximum draft of 11.0 m. It is located West of the channel next of Buoys No. 17 and 22, and is limited by the following co-ordinates:
(A) (B) (C) (D) Lat. 02␥ 22.2' S. Lat. 02␥ 25.0' S. Lat. 02␥ 24.4' S. Lat. 02␥ 20.1' S. Long. 44␥ 20.3' W. Long. 44␥ 21.3' W. Long. 44␥ 22.2' W. Long. 44␥ 20.4' W.
The bottom in this area is composed of gravel and coarse sand with depths ranging from 14.5 m. to 34.0 m.
Area 6: This area is for vessels with a maximum draft of 11.0 m. and displacement 80,000 tons. It is located between Buoy No. 22 and the beacons of Sao Marcos and Aracagi. Vessels required to obtain clearance from the Harbour Master prior to anchoring. It is limited by the following co-ordinates:
(A) Lat. 02␥ 26.6' S. Long. 44␥ 24.5' W. (B) Lat. 02␥ 29.2' S. Long. 44␥ 24.0' W. (C) Lat. 02␥ 30.6' S. Long. 44␥ 25.4' W. (D) Lat. 02␥ 29.8' S. Long. 44␥ 26.0' W.
Area 7: This area is for vessels with a maximum draft of 11.0 m. and displacement 80,000 tons. The use of this anchorage area must be authorised by the Harbour Master and it is limited by the following